Gonçalo Guedes had “problems adapting” to life in Wolverhampton Wanderers but remains an “elite international player” who should not be discarded because of his time in the Premier League.
That’s according to Portuguese manager João Tralhão, who worked with him earlier in his career at Benfica and has backed him to bounce back from his latest injury.
Guedes is currently on loan at Benfica for a second successive season after moving to the Portuguese side last summer following a disappointing few years at Molineux.
He spent a solitary year at Wolves following a €32.6m move from Valencia in August 2022 but failed to impress at the club, managing just two goals and one assist in 18 games.
Those were disappointing numbers to say the least given the money that had been spent on him and he is yet to bounce back properly yet, managing just two goals and 15 appearances for Benfica last season and one goal in four games this season.
“Gonçalo is an elite player, who has continued to grow. Injuries have been the problem,” he said.
“At Valencia he was in great shape and was injured. He recovered, came back strong and had a great season that gave him access to the Premier League, the most competitive championship in the world. Perhaps due to problems adapting [to Wolverhampton] in England, he returned to Benfica.
“It’s an important step for him, he’s never hidden the affection he has for Benfica, he’s close to his family and playing for a big club, with ambitious goals, with a very strong squad to fight in all competitions.
“It was an important transfer for Gonçalo and Benfica. Gonçalo is not only a great Portuguese player but also an elite international player.
“And he has everything to succeed at Benfica. He’ll come back stronger from his injury, it’s easy to see that for anyone who knows his personality and character.”
